Whiskey barWhiskey bar$$$Mon 17:00-00:00; Tue-Thu 11:00-00:00; Fri-Sat 11:00-02:00; Sun 11:00-00:00
Over 400 whiskeys across bourbon, rye, Scotch, Irish, and Japanese paired with a full Southern kitchen emphasising local sourcing. NC trout is a standout.
Signature drink: American rye whiskey programme (400+ selections)
Food: Full Southern kitchen
Cocktail barGastropub$$Mon-Thu 11:00-23:00; Fri-Sat 11:00-02:00; Sun 11:00-23:00
A 1906 newspaper building now housing one of downtown's better gastropubs. Cicerone-certified staff; strong Belgian beer programme and late kitchen hours.
Signature drink: Belgian and craft beer programme
Food: American pub fare
Cocktail barCocktail bar$$Mon-Tue 17:00-00:00; Wed-Sat 17:00-02:00; Sun 17:00-00:00
Downtown subterranean bar open until 02:00 on weekends. DJs, karaoke, arcade games, and pinball; one of the consistently busy late-night options in Raleigh.
Signature drink: Fresh-ingredient cocktails
Food: None
Cocktail barBeer bar$$Mon-Fri 11:00-02:00; Sat-Sun 10:00-02:00
A multi-storey Glenwood South institution with one of the world's largest draft selections. The rooftop deck is the draw in good weather; knowledgeable staff.
Signature drink: Extensive rotating draft selection
Food: Bar snacks and small plates
Cocktail barWine bar$$By class schedule; see website
NC's first WSET wine school doubles as a wine bar with Spanish and Mediterranean cooking. Classes include tastings; the bar is open to class participants.
Signature drink: Spanish and Mediterranean wine selections
Food: Spanish and Mediterranean food pairings
Cocktail barTaproom$$Mon-Fri 16:00-22:00; Sat-Sun 12:00-22:00
The Five Points outpost of Trophy Brewing, serving house ales and wood-fired pizza. The neighbourhood taproom format draws a strong Oakwood residential crowd.
Signature drink: House-brewed ales and lagers
Food: Pizza and bar snacks